The surprise downfall of Bo Xilai

The spectacular downfall of political hardliner Bo Xilai has opened up a fissure among China's ruling class. And as Chinese elections approach, it could not have come at a more sensitive time.

In the grey world of Chinese politics, Bo Xilai was a beacon a brilliant demagogue who ruled the megalopolis of Chongqing with an iron grip and was tipped for the highest echelons of power. His sudden fall last week, seen as a victory for economic liberals, has caused "a political earthquake", says The Daily Beast. There hasn't been a purge like it for decades.

The charismatic "rock star of Chinese politics" seemed untouchable, says The Daily Telegraph. Not only was he a "princeling" (a son of a hero of the 1949 revolution), but he was possibly China's most popular politician. The trigger for his fall was "a scandal worthy of The Wire", which began when his right-hand man, police chief Wang Lijun, sought refuge at Chengdu's American consulate, claiming Bo was out to kill him. It was a perfect excuse for party leaders to strike.

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